Which Peninsular battle/period?

[Last Hussar]

As mentioned in my other post a few minutes ago I am basing for Peninsula British.

As the OrBat changed pretty much annually, which battle/period do you think I should organise towards?

It won't make much differences on the table, but as I may have to label 'permanent' organisation it would be nice to be historical

[Enigmatic Gamer]

I have always liked Salamanca as a battle. The OB is quite large as it was a fairly big battle, but there is plenty of info available.

I was also lucky enough to visit the site for my 60th birthday Peninsula Coach tour. It's completely unspoiled.

[sultanbev]

I tend to collect my Napoleonics to 1812, so I also second Salamanca.

[Last Hussar]

Did the maths - I think the whole OOB for the British (using 'Small' scale - 1 base= 1,200 to 2000 infantry) can be done with 24 Infantry, 4 Cavalry, 4 Artillery. Possibly less/no artillery - not sure how these should be represented.

In Blucher "Small Scale" 1 stand Artillery is 12-16 guns/2 Batteries. You can combine 3 as a base (long range, but limited ammo) or attach one to an infantry stand to up the shooting (unlimited ammo, moves with base, but just +1 dice on the musketry).

I have a feeling the British would have done the latter, effectively 'battalion guns' - anyone clarify?

In context for 24 + 4 in men/horses, Sunjester and I did a game last week at 'Grand Scale' (1 base = 3,000 to 5,000 infantry) for 1809, and the Austrians had about 26 bases, plus 1 artillery.

[fsn]

Hmmm.

I would go 1813, but just 'cos all my other Naps are based on Leipzig.

I would contemplate what kind of force do I want? The army of 1808 was very cavalry poor, with no heavies at all.  The army of 1813 was a much more integrated, competent and confident force. However, I don't think I could do a British 1813 force without considering adding some Portuguese.

Does the exoticism of the Chasseur Britannique attract you, or will you have nothing to do with these ragged mercenaries and just want proper English (C19 version) regiments only?

Are you a stovepipe shako man? Or does the false-fronted lure of the Belgic draw you? Do you think light cavalry look dashing in a shako or are they too Frenchified and better presented in a Tarleton? How do you feel abouts Scots and a whole division of light infantry?

In other words, I'd look at what I want out the force and then work out which period best fits.

But 1813. Definitely. Vittoria.

C'mon - it's got it's own theme tune - by Beethoven!

(Disclaimer: The pictures in this video are pretty - but not a true representation of Vittoria.)

[Last Hussar]

It's really dependent on what I have. I don't think Sunjester will that much about hats!

[fsn]

I don't think Sunjester will that much about hats!

The barbarian! 

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

It's really dependent on what I have. I don't think Sunjester will that much about hats!

Quite right too.....

[Genom]

It's really dependent on what I have. I don't think Sunjester will that much about hats!

The time someone asked me what regiments my Peninsular forces were. My answer of "Those ones are French and those ones are British" put them off their stride somewhat.

[fsn]

I do tend to go the other way. My units are from an historical OOB.

However, I do recognise that the 42nd Regiment of foot probably never faced off against the 14th Regiment of the Duchy of Warsaw, and I'm OK with that.

[Last Hussar]

Any ideas what I do with the guns? Separate unit or integrated with infantry?

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Any ideas what I do with the guns? Separate unit or integrated with infantry?

Would depend on the army. British would be with the infantry, French use both with the heavies as grand batteries. Russians would be same as French. No knowledge of Austrian or Prussian tactics.

[Last Hussar]

So having done the Army List for British Salamanca, I make it about 440 points (maybe 400). A normal game is 300 points, but 400 is possible.

I don't think I have quite enough figures to do the 'full' version I have calculated, but a slightly smaller army that fits fine is eminently doable.

I thought the guns would be integrated with the British, just wanted to double check. Will probably do the same with the French - just need to check that the drawer with the artillery is for both or just the British, and there is a drawer of French artillery.

In addition I have Brunswick figures so I can have them as an additional unit.

[Last Hussar]

HELP!

I found a site for actual strengths (not just OrBat) for Salamanca, now I can't remember where it was    - any ideas?

NOT the straight OrBat - that is on Wiki - the actual Divisional/Brigade/Battalion strengths.

Thanks

[fsn]

https://www.napoleon-series.org/nafzigger/812GSAB.pdf

Nafzinger?